Children at The Flying High Academy Ladybrook (FHAL) have raised the profile of anti-bullying and mental wellbeing at the Mansfield school — thanks to their own hard work and the generosity of local businesses and a charity.

The academy said it valued pupils’ mental health and wellbeing, and to support this anti-bullying ambassadors have recently launched a Happy To Chat scheme.

Working alongside the ambassadors, children and staff identified that having an effective systeme, where children could feel supported by their peers, would help raise the profile of anti-bullying throughout the school.

They have created a special area in the playground with benches and a garden area, where children can talk to others about any problems they may have.

FHAL anti-bullying abassadors worked to generate ideas of how to fund the project, and it was decided by the children to write letters to the Lashes Foundation and B&Q to apply for funding.

The foundation donated eight benches and B&Q presented plants as well as discounting the benches.

Ultimate Print also printed the youngsters’ designs on to weatherproof plaques for the benches, while Mansfield Building Society staff volunteered their time to help build the benches and improve the academy’s garden area.

FHAL anti-bullying ambassadors are now leading a project for children to apply to be playground buddies — monitoring the benches, supporting children to find friends and have a chat, and being a presence in the playground.

Emma Wilson, director of Lashes Foundation, visited the academy to meet anti-bullying ambassadors and hear about the scheme.

Georgia Sergeant, anti-bullying ambassador lead at the academy, said: “We would like to say thank you to the Lashes Foundation, B&Q, Ultimate Print, and Mansfield Building Society. All the children at Flying High Academy Ladybrook and our anti-bullying ambassadors are grateful for the kindness and generosity of our wider community to support our project.”